The talk at Infocomm 2019 was AV over IP and many AV over IP solutions were introduced, but what is it and how does it work?
AV (Audio-Visual) over IP (Internet Protocol) is the transmission of audio-visual data over a network replacing the standard analogue audio-visual environments using standard network equipment to switch and transmit video and audio signals. In both systems the hardware and requirements are very similar giving the users the ability to see and hear their audio-video sources on their systems by capturing, moving, switching and displaying. In the AV over IP environment the Transmitters become Encoders, Receivers become Decoders and the matrix switcher becomes a standard IP switch controlled by software.
One of the benefits of AV over IP is cost savings. A single Ethernet cable can now be used to power devices, send audio and video, and control a device. No longer are multiple cable runs needed saving both materials and labor reducing the possible points of failure resulting in simplified troubleshooting.
Increased functionality is another benefit due to ethernet cables capacity of handling a greater amount of data than serial cable resulting in significantly faster communication speeds allowing all devices on a single network to be integrated with advanced functionality. Also, by using IP control the devices can be managed from one location.
The best benefit is the improved quality due to the fact IP allows more data to be passed over a single cable enabling transmission of HD and Ultra HD signals as well as voice over IP.
These are just a few benefits out of many, it just gets better and better.
